The Four Stages of Meditation

Thus throughout the centuries masters have taught that there are four stages of spiritual progress. The first is the stage of difficulty, when one has to exert much effort to calm and control the agitated, scattered waves of the mind. Many people at this stage become restless and impatient, and abandon their spiritual practice.

The second is the stage of attainment when the mind achieves complete concentration and experiences a higher state of consciousness. Those who taste that supreme bliss, even for a moment, realize that it is the highest experience of human life, and dedicate all their energies to remain merged in the state forever.

In the third stage, by regular and intense concentration, the mind becomes coherent and psychic powers develop. This is the most dangerous stage, when even great yogis have fallen from the path. If one's psychic energies are prematurely released into the external world, one will never achieve perfection. It is rather like trying to pump water to the top floor of a building through a pipe with many holes in it - the water will never reach the top.

The saint Ramakrishna once told his beloved disciple Vivekananda, "Through severe spiritual discipline, I have acquired certain powers. I am giving them to you - you may use them when necessary. What do you say to that?" Vivekananda reflected a moment and asked, "Sir, will these powers help me towards self-realization?" "No", answered his master. Vivekananda said, "Then I don't want them. Let me first realize God and afterwards I shall decide whether I want them or not. If I accept these wonderful powers now, I may forget my ideal. And if I use them for any selfish purpose, it may lead to my ruin. So please, master, you keep them!

Those who do not let their minds be diverted by psychic powers and channel all their energies in yearning for the Supreme are like a child who caries repeatedly for her mother. To distract her, the mother gives the child a toy. But when the child is not satisfied with the toy and flings it aside, shouting "I don't want the toy, I want you!" then the mother has to come and take the child on her lap. Spiritual aspirants should be like such a child. They should cry to the Supreme, "I don't want your occult powers, I want you!" Then they are sure to attain their goal.

And when they reach the fourth stage, and that indescribable bliss surges through every fibre of their being, they will know that, in comparison to the ecstasy of divine union psychic powers are very cheap.

Two brothers started practicing yoga together, but while one was a sincere seeker of truth, the other was enamored of occult powers. After many years of separation, they met beside a river. One brother used his occult powers to walk across the water, while the other paid one rupee to the boatman to ferry him across. When they reached the opposite bank, the first brother proudly asked what has brother thought of his feat. He answered, "I see that after all these years of effort, and your spiritual achievement is worth only one rupee".

The Eternal Origin of Thy Power and Absolute Knowledge - Gayatri

Gayatri is the eternal source of thy willpower that motivated the origin and all activities of th visible and invisible forms of Nature. The rivers, oceans, the earth, the moon, the sun and the gamut of other planets, from tiniest particle to the universal expansion…, everything is moving because of this cosmic driving force. it is the root of the impulse of life in the blossoming plants and trees that beautify Nature. The force of life in all living beings originates from its presence. Its superior presence in the human beings is reflected in the intellect, which enables the progressive development of the world and ascent of human life. In extraordinary cases, this sublime power is expressed as spiritually evolved pure, discerning intelligence - Ritambhara Pragya. This enlightened wisdom helps one understand what is right and what is wrong and guides to choose the prudent path to the higher goals of life. This divine power mostly remains concealed in the inner cores of our minds. The activation of this subliminal force of Gayatri in the soul links the human self with the divine light and powers of 'thee'

God is omnipresent in infinite dimensions. Thee are immanent in every moment, every activity, yet remains absolutely unperturbed and stable in the eternity …. The origin of Nature and the creation of the world are manifestation of thy wish to express thyself in multiple forms. The evolutionary impulse of thy will gave rise to this cosmic creation. Being the original source of creation, existence and manifestation of Nature and the universe, this supreme power (Gayatri) was named Adi Shakti. The eternal cycle, order and harmony indwelling in the cosmic system and the laws of Nature and the existence and activities of the world are inspired and governed by the Adi Shakti Gayatri. This eternal presiding power is the cause of all energy and is subliminally governing the cosmic existence, expansion and activities towards the ultimate evolution.

Lord Brahma, the supreme creator is described in the scriptures to have attained the absolute knowledge of the universal creation and the limitless manifestations of Nature by the dedicated Sadhana of Adi Shakti Gayatri. This super mental knowledge and science constituted the Vedas. The Gayatri Mantra is regarded to enfold the essence, the seed of Vedas.

The divine powers governing the order of Nature also emanate from the Adi Shakti. As the same electricity flows in tube light, heater, refrigerator, cooler, etc and appears active in different forms. Similarly, the singular force of Adi Shakti is reflected in Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva - as thy powers of eternal creation, execution and evolution. The other manifestations of thy impulse (Deva Shakti) too are different expressions of the Adi Shakti. Thus, Adi Shakti being the absolute source of divine powers is also revered as Deva Mata. Beatitude of this Deva Mata endows a devoted Sadhak with divine virtues and vigor..

As the appearance of Nature and the world emanate from the infinite kernel of Adi Shakti, the latter is worshiped as Viswo Mata - the mother of the world. A true devotee of this realization of the Adi Shakti, unifies his self-identity with global unity and lives with the altruist feeling of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" the  whole world is like his family to such a generous fellow.

The Dawn of the Era of Divine Decent on Earth

 The past three centuries have been witness to miraculous discoveries in material sciences and application thereof in improving the physical quality of life. Unfortunately, because of their improper applications, many of these scientific achievements have proved to be disastrous for humanity, consequently, modern man finds himself living in much more distressful and stress-phone environment than his less affluent ancestors. Universal problems like environmental pollution, increasing radioactivity, global warming, nuclear and chemical proliferation of armaments are creating an environmental in which the very existence of human race is at stake. Who would then appreciate science and technology which leads to the melting of polar Iceland's, disastrous upheavals in the oceans of the world, return of the ice-ages and destruction of this beautiful planet by the ultraviolet radiations penetrating through the holes in the ozone layers protecting the earth? It is too enormous a price to pay for the life debasing comforts and capabilities provided by the advancement in science and technology?

Is not it the devilish misuse of scientific advancement and scores of local and regional conflicts which has resulted in two world wars causing enormous loss of life and resources this very century? Man is today mercilessly exploiting the mineral resources of the earth. He is preparing for star-wars which would obliterate all life on the earth.

Materialistic philosophy of modern society has totally sidetracked the concepts of soul, god, divine-justice (Karma Phal) and basic ethical and moral values which ennoble human life. Instant materialistic achievement and gratification have become the sole pursuits of modern man, for which he is prepared to go to any extent of unrestrained deceitfulness and cruelty.

In the modern society, gross sensuality and unrestrained sexuality are becoming the principal means of entertainment. It has destroyed the bridge of healthy relationship between man and woman. One of the inevitable consequences of free sex is explosion in population which would make it very difficult to provide food, housing, education, medical facilities and other basic amenities for the future generation and perhaps leave no space for vehicles on the roads. This is happening in spite of the family welfare programs of governments. With the fast growing population, there does not appear any possibility of success in the welfare or development scheme of the governments. The fast depleting resources would soon make human beings behave like hungry wolves, tearing each other apart for petty gains.

On the contrary, everywhere today there is predominance of corrupt practices. Very few are living a life of peace and contentment. A corrupt practice is nothing but the product of a corrupt ideology and perverted sense of values of life. The major problems facing humankind today are the outcome of lack of noble ideals, loss of faith in ultimate triumph of righteousness, prevalence of perverted values and dominance of evil urges and thoughts; the roots of all human misery life in the corruption of ideologies (misplaced values), which have created problems in all spheres of life. Until this root cause is removed, it is futile to hope for universal peace, prosperity and happiness.

The Blissful Self Within

Just as a thread with a few ragged fibers will not pass through the eye of a needle, so a mind with even a single attachment to the external world cannot realize the self within. But when all desires and distractions are burnt in the fire of yearning, when all egoistic feelings of "I" and "mine" dissolve in the intense concentration on the Beloved - the mind becomes so finely-pointed on the infinite that it disappears - and one plunges instantaneously into the dazzling brilliance of the innermost self.

As the age-old darkness in the depths of a cave is dispelled in a second when a match is lit, so self-realization comes in the twinkling of an eye, and countless lifetimes of ignorance and illusion are dispelled from the mind forever.

The individual consciousness exists within the infinite ocean of Cosmic Consciousness like a pot full of water in a pond. The water in the pot seems separate from the water of the pond only because of the boundary of the pot in between - the individual mind, the limited ego. But when the pot is broken, the water merge; when the mind is removed and there is no longer any separation between inner and outer, the individual consciousness dissolves into the Cosmic Consciousness in an ecstatic flow. Then, free from all bondages, beyond all vibration and duality, the self realizes its true glory - nameless, faceless, changeless, birth less and deathless, infinite bliss and eternal peace.

When those who have attained this ultimate state return to awareness in the world, they feel that a surge of exhilaration from some unknown realm has flooded their minds, and every cell of their bodies thrills in that divine current. Having drunk deep from the fountain of bliss, their senses are intoxicated and they see the Supreme Consciousness everywhere. In every morsel, they taste His sweetness, in every sound they hear His melody, with every breath they inhale His fragrance, in every touch, and they feel His caress. Then they know that deep within everything is the Supreme, playing hide-and-seek with Himself.

Like the wandering saint who lovingly embraced the dogs in the street and fed them the delicacies her disciples had offered her, and then what feel from the dog's mouths, she gleefully ate and distributed among her disciples - those who have dived deep into the Ocean of Consciousness have realized that they are One with all.

Then whatever part they choose to play in the drama of life - as they work and play, move and speak in the world - inwardly they always know that they are the immortal self.

One divinely realized being called the Blissful Mother was once asked, "Please tell me something of your life." Her face was lustrous with an inner joy, and in her sweet voice she answered quickly. "This consciousness has never associated itself with this temporary body. Before this body came on this earth, she was the same. As a child, she as the same. She grew into womanhood, but still she was the same. When the family in which she was born made arrangements to have this body married, she was the same. Ever afterward, though the dances of creation change around her in the hall of eternity, she shall always be the same." Saying this, her body became motionless, and she went into ecstasy.

Subtle Aspects of Yagya

The extremely subtle effects are by far the more important. Like humans, matter too, has three bodies -- physical, subtle and causal. The body which eats, sleeps, walks, acts; which consists blood, flesh etc. is visible man's physical body. Subtle body is that which thinks, considers and controls the physical body. Causal or astral body is that in which faith, convictions, aspirations etc. are deeply rooted. The subtle body is much more powerful as compared to the physical body. The casual body is several times more powerful than the subtle body.

The casual energy underlying all the Havishya used in Yagya is stimulated by the rituals prescribed for the Yagya performance. Only then alone it is possible to affect desired changes in the mind and consciousness of the participants. It this is not done, the effect of Yagya will be limited to the physical - chemical effects fo vaporization of specific substances. No doubt, several benefits can be derived by these effects too; the fumes of Yagya remove foul smell and spread soothing fragrance. It can also help in controlling virus infections and thereby promoting physical health. This is, however, an insignificant achievement, as compared to the vast potential of Yagya.

Importance of Yagya lies in the subtle power of the substances which are offered in the sacrificial fire. The selection of a particular wood or Havan Samagri depends on the purpose for which Yagya is performed.

In order to stimulate the causal energy of the offering, help of the science of Mantras is taken. The conductor of Yagya takes all precautions to ensure that the Mantras are uttered, pronounced and appropriated correctly in the pitch voice, rhythm and tone duly prescribed. Strict discipline is required to be maintained, and there should be no deviation. Shabda (the eternal and cosmic sound) is termed as Brahm. Ordinarily, it is used for exchanging of thoughts but at subtler and higher levels in Mantra, Shabda plays the role of getting transformed into potential energy.

The entire basis of the Mantra Shastra stands on the footing that the selection, interlocking and appropriation of words in a Mantra exist in such a way that it becomes possible to get miraculous advantage by making the causal energy of Shabda specifically enhanced and made more powerful.

All the pots and even water used in the Yagya are purified by specific Mantras before use. The fire-wood (Samidhas) are washed, dried and use dafter they are duly sanctified by Mantras. The process of Vedi Pujan and Yagyashala Pujan are resorted to make the Havan Kunda live….. with awaken causal energy. This as a whole is the scientific process of mass medication which strengthens the spiritual basis of the Yagya process.

It is generally experienced that Yagya (Agnihotra) --- atmosphere is very compatible and alluring for attaining spiritual uplift. Dr. Motohama of Tokyo, Japan has studied the effects of Agnihotra, with his instrument for measuring electric fields surrounding the body. He has reported that after performing an Agnihotra, the Anahata Chakra (cardiac plexus) exhibits similar condition that exists after psychic and spiritual healings.

Soul - the Ever Present Witness

Try as you may with the farthest range of imagination, you will never succeed in going beyond the soul. You will never believe that this "I" is ever non-existent. This "I" (the soul) is a drop of THAT absolute, indestructible, immutable, ocean of consciousness, which we call God.  The soul itself is the spark of THAT supreme sun of the spirit.

O Seeker! May you, by the grace of God, succeed in perceiving the existence of the soul in yourself and appreciate that man is a deity in deep slumber (a fallen angel, according to Christian belief) unaware of his potentialities. Within a human being there exist, in dormant state, divine potentialities, awaiting discovery and seeking an outlet to manifest themselves in action. It has been demonstrated in the lives of innumerable mystics, sages, seers and occultists through the ages that these powers can be accessed and made operative, although their mastery requires persistent, single-pointed endeavor. Initially, the progress is slow, but after crossing over the threshold or limiting consciousness and rising to the plane of Adhyatm Manas, the vision becomes clear and path easy. After that the progress is like an elevator ride. In its original nature, the individual soul (Atma) in each embodied being is an indivisible portion of the Absolute (Parmatma).

In the previous article, I have expressed that the soul, too, does not have an independent existence of its own and that it ever remains an integral part of the Supreme Being. However, before attaining this awareness, one has to activate the awareness of Aham within. Let these let these lesson and words not be taken merely as a trivial exercise in verbosity and treated with disdain. The elaborations made here may not be as explicit as necessary for this complex subject. Nevertheless, it is to be emphasized that through these words a great truth is being revealed. As you are reading these lines, your soul is eagerly expecting to proceed on the path leading to spiritual enlightenment. Step forward and become its torchbearer.

It is hoped that with the foregoing contemplative exercises, the reader will have developed the capability of making a distinction between Aham and the faculties of the body and the mind. Experiential awareness of this fact will make the seeker master of his mind and its traits (Vrittis). He will then intuitively develop the competence to use these tools effectively in life.

For elaboration of such a serious subject, the ideological approach and words used by the author may appear too crude and naïve. The subject, however, pertains to perceptions of intangible realms of consciousness, which are beyond the reach of words and expressions. The specific taste of a particular favorite food cannot be described in words. One has to personally taste it. The author is simply trying to cultivate an interest in the subject, so that the reader is motivated to himself carry out these exercises. Thus, the reader will himself find proofs of the occult and mystic layers of consciousness and progressively have a clear perception of the nature of the Inner-Self. Until personally realized, knowledge remains a mere theoretical statement. Once one has the concrete experience, no arguments to the contrary are able to shake his rocklike living faith.

Introduction to the Angelic Couple

It so happens that in the history of mankind the Supreme manifests in many forms at the same time for reformation of not just millions, but of all the people on the earth. Revered Gurudev can be seen as one such incarnation which manifested from era to era as incarnation as well as Guru. Spreading enlightenment on a colossal scale during a life-spam of 80 years, the incarnation merged with that subtle vital group of Rishis (savants) who are committed to bringing the transformation of this era in a short while. The Rev. Mataji was a form of Shakti (power) which sometimes manifested as Mahakali or Mother Janaki, sometimes as Mother Sharada and sometimes as Mother Bhagwati to accompany the benevolent rule of Lord Shiva. She too has now merged in subtle form with her Lord. To-day both of them are not with us in physical form, but they have left behind monuments for human reformation in the form of Shantikunj, Hardwar, Brahmavarchas Hardwar, Gayatri Tapobhumi Mathura, Akhand Jyoti Sansthan, Mathura and Yug Teerth Aanwalkheda (Agra) and also battalions of volunteers committed to carrying on work of human enlightenment and reformation.
Gurudev's real evaluation will be done by historians after a few years, but if today someone wants to experience his presence, he can see him in the from of the vast ocean of life-giving literature written over 50 years, which together weighs more than the weight of the body of Rev. Gurudev. On reading it one feels as if the Rev. Gurudev has written it by dipping the pen in his own blood. Each word touches your heart and changes your thoughts. He has in this way transformed millions of men and women by touching their hearts and minds. The revolutions of Rousseau for democracy and of Karl Marx for communism pale before his writings. His writings can fill an encyclopedia. Looking at his multifaceted personality and his fields of work, one cannot decide what to write about him because his area of work included the following and much more: Organizer, seeker and devotee, enlightener of millions, reviver of Gayatri's study and worship, reviver of the tradition of 16 sacraments, a loving father to his followers, a relentless campaigner for the awakening of women's power with boundless compassion for them, single-handily creating the colossal Gayatri-family of over 10 million followers.
As a result of the dark era of ignorance because of a thousand years of foreign domination over Nepal, perversities have increased so much in our thinking that all the efforts for progress simply fall flat. All the plans for reform and progress become unsuccessful because of weakness of character. We will have to go to tremendous lengths to campaign for 'Bhavnatmak Nav-nirman' (resurgence of good thinking, and good sentiments) that it will immerse the public-mind in the courage and commitment to good character, idealism, goodwill, tremendous hard work, and adopting what is proper. The path to progress will open up in pro portion to the success of this movement. The mysterious background to the colossal form of 'Yug Nirman Andolan' (the movement for the resurgence of the era of goodness and new order) is known only to the few, but it is definite that this movement will be profound and colossal and will be completely successful. Who and which institutes get the honor for this success is not important, but it is going to be certainly carried out. To-day the need is felt of those strong hands which will be capable of carrying on this momentous task.
The last phase of this movement will be struggle some because demoniac tendencies will not be eliminated by mere politeness and request. This will require fighting at every step. Individual desires, passions, narrowness, selfishness, hedonistic living, shirking work and discourtesy have to be fought at the level of self-formation through personal efforts. Perversities of individuals, family, society, nation and the world will be fought by the weapons at that level only. The Yug-Nirman Andolan (movement for the resurgence of the era of goodness and new order) with the aim of total change has now come near the threshold of projects requiring struggle. This is the last phase of the movement in which the entire movement has been divided into two parts. Creative or constructive movement is in the first part whereas the second one consists of movements requiring struggle. Brief information on these movements is given in the next article "Creative or Constructive Movement Nurturing Faith".